“Give a child a bike” is a charity event organized by one of the bicycle repair shops in Szczecin. Small and large two-wheelers donated by donors will be repaired and sent to orphanages in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. However, this is not the only initiative of bicycle lovers, so before we throw away an old, broken bicycle, it is worth finding out whether there is a collection in our area.
11-year-old Maciek decided that since he hadn't ridden his bikes for several years, it was better to have them repaired and put in good hands. – My dad informed me that I could return the bike, I thought it was a good idea to comfort younger children and make them happy that they have new bikes – says the 11-year-old.
Maciek's and other donors' bicycles will be given to children from orphanages. The originator of the “Give a child a bike” campaign is Mr. Dawid Jędrzejczak, owner of the “Najs Bike” shop and bicycle service in Szczecin. It all started with a certain client.
– The idea came about spontaneously, because a gentleman came to us asking for help with a bicycle and didn't know what to do with it, and after a short exchange of words we finally said: “I don't know what to do with it, give it back.” I said: “Maybe we should give it to an orphanage?” He says great idea. And that's where the whole idea of maybe doing something like this for Christmas came from – says Mr. Dawid.
– People are very enthusiastic about the whole action. Thanks to the snowball effect, we found ourselves in a place where we already have some of these bikes – adds Mr. Krzysztof, a junior mechanic.
In a few hours we prepared a Noble Gift for Mrs. Brygida and her son. Several hundred families are still waiting for theirsRenata Kijowska/Fakty TVN
Bicycles can be brought until December 19
Currently, there are almost 20 bicycles in the workshop. Before they go further, they must be renovated, functional and, above all, safe. Therefore, Mr. Krzysztof has something to do. – We replace necessary parts, service drives, replace cables, brakes, everything needed so that the bike can continue to serve and continue to please its next owners – explains Mr. Krzysztof.
Children's bicycles can be brought until December 19. – From small to large, the large ones are more recommended because orphanages have reported greater demand for such larger bicycles – says Mr. Dawid.
– Will it be a surprise for them? Perhaps they will learn from the media and the Internet that such bikes are being prepared for them, but it will certainly be a great joy for them – there is no doubt Maciej Homis from the Municipal Family Support Center in Szczecin.
Therefore, there is nothing to think about and it is worth following Maciek's example, because the more donors, the more reasons to be happy in orphanages. They can receive the bikes of their dreams, so we would like to thank the service, the “Najs Bike” store, and the people who want to join this campaign out of the goodness of their hearts for their commitment – thank you Maciej Homis.
Winter is a particularly difficult time for homeless people. The services appeal not to be indifferentGrzegorz Jarecki/Fakty po Południu TVN24
This is not the only such action in the country
This is the 8th edition of the campaign for the Oddaj Rower Foundation from Białystok. – We donate them to orphanages, social welfare homes, and children in need. This year, we mainly want to donate these bicycles to flood victims – says Kamil Bakoniuk from the “Oddaj Rower” Foundation.
Over the course of 7 years, they repaired and distributed over 1,500 two-wheelers. First, it was a local campaign only in Podlasie, now it is nationwide. The Foundation's website provides information on how and where to return a damaged bicycle.
– We do not repair rusty bicycles that have been parked somewhere out in the open, because the cost of repairing such a bicycle would many times exceed the budget we have assumed, and in this place it is better to repair a few slightly better bicycles – notes Kamil Bakoniuk.
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They have already collected 150 bicycles, but for now they can only repair 10. Their budget does not allow for more. – Repairing one bicycle costs approximately PLN 200-250. This year, unfortunately, we have collected about PLN 2,200 so far, which we can already see that it will not be possible for us – says Kamil Bakoniuk.
But they are optimistic that this amount will increase quickly so that they all reach their new owners in the spring. First of all, I would like to thank you very much, because if it were not for the donors who provide us with bicycles that we can repair, the Foundation would not exist here – adds Kamil Bakoniuk.
Main photo source: TVN24